This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.
Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.
Historically, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.
Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.
What the Science Says
Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel has not been shown to prevent burns from radiation therapy.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.
Side Effects and Cautions
Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
A 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine. According to the NTP, from what is known right now there is nothing that would lead them to believe that these findings are not relevant to humans. However, more information, including how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
There have been a few case reports of acute hepatitis from aloe vera taken orally. However, the evidence is not definitive.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
Sources
Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 4, 2009.
Aloe (Aloe vera). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on May 4, 2009.
The first three months of gestation age is the most significant section of the said critical period because during said period, changes occur quickly and it is necessary to provide required nutrients for the said changes. This period usually coincides with the time when most pregnant women lacks appetite or suffer from nausea ors it is mostly known. However, it is really important for pregnant women eat a variety of foods and receive different kinds of foodstuffs. During this period, huge quantity of sugar, white bread and mashed potato are harmful for pregnant women because the said foodstuffs are quickly changed to sugar. Instead, eating vegetables, nuts and barriers are very useful for such woman. Here, we introduce one of foodstuffs, of which eating is very useful in the first three months of pregnancy period: Almond. What is provided for you through supplements namely Folic Acid for prevention of congenital defects Almond shall naturally provide the same accordingly. During said period, eating 20 almonds every day by pregnant women is recommended. Raw almonds are much more desirable compared to roasted almond. However, if you buy roasted almond, you must become sure that they are fresh. You must always have and eat almonds as snack when you are hungry.
This fact sheet provides basic information about aloe vera—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.
Aloe vera’s use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.
Historically, aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring.
Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.
What the Science Says
Aloe latex contains strong laxative compounds. Products made with various components of aloe (aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin) were at one time regulated by the FDA as oral over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U.S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data.
Early studies show that topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. One study, however, showed that aloe gel inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Aloe gel has not been shown to prevent burns from radiation therapy.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support aloe vera for any of its other uses.
Side Effects and Cautions
Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects.
A 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine. According to the NTP, from what is known right now there is nothing that would lead them to believe that these findings are not relevant to humans. However, more information, including how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.
Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera.
Diarrhea, caused by the laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.
People with diabetes who use glucose-lowering medication should be cautious if also taking aloe by mouth because preliminary studies suggest aloe may lower blood glucose levels.
There have been a few case reports of acute hepatitis from aloe vera taken orally. However, the evidence is not definitive.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
Sources
Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 4, 2009.
Aloe (Aloe vera). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on May 4, 2009.
Amino acids, which exist in the said plant soften hard cells. The element of zinc exiting in Aloe Vera, as an astringent, acts to harden existing pores on skin. Moisturizing effect of Aloe Vera is used in treatment of skin dryness. This reduces dryness and redness of skin accordingly.
In an interview with ISNA, Dr Ameneh Ameri pointed out that presently Aloe Vera extract is widely used in cosmetic and hygienic protract due to its rejuvenating, healing and softening properties. She further added: “Aloe Vera enjoys moisturizing and anti-aging effects and mukopolisakarida in the said plant help skin preserve its moisture. Stimulating fibroblasts, Aloe Vera causes synthesis of collagen and elastin. The said fibers cause skin has elastic property and it is wrinkled less. Moreover, Amino Acids existing in Aloe Vera soften hard cells and the element of Zinc, which exists in the said Plant acts as an astringent to harden pores on skin. Moisturizing property of Aloe Vera is used in treatment of skin dryness and reduces dryness and redness of skin accordingly.
Considering probable side-effects of Aloe Vera, Dr Ameri stated: “Probable side-effects of Aloe Vera may appear in form of redness, irritation, tingling, and dermatitis among individuals. The said allergic reactions are due to antrakinons such as aloveen and barbaloin. It is recommended a person try Aloe Vera on a small area on skin in order to become sure whether she/he is sensitive to Aloe Vera or not.
As reported by Mehr, making brain scans of the individuals, who were under traditional Chinese medical treatment, scientists have found that acupuncture closes penetrating paths of pain to body. Researchers from York University indicated that this new discovery has presented tangible and scientific proofs with respect to specific effect of acupuncture on brain. This may lead to more desirable perception of operation of this traditional medicine. As it is said by researchers, when a patient receives specific treatments of acupunctures, a special feeling named “Deqi” is created in his body. Analyses of scientists reveal that the said feeling inactivates certain parts of brain, which is associated with pain processing.
Practicing two Japanese and Chinese methods of acupuncture on participants have revealed that from among 10 out 17 candidates have felt Deqi and their pain has relieved. As it is said by the Japanese researchers, Chinese used to practice acupuncture for treatment of a number of diseases two thousand years ago. However, scientists have been provided with very limited information about function of acupuncture.
According to telegraph report, presently, researchers are studying ability of complete treatment of depression and IBS by the help of acupuncture in order to promote extent of acceptance of acupuncture as an effective treatment procedure among patients and medical centers.
Flu season is upon us. Prevention is the key, but if a virus threatens your health, quick action with natural vitamins, supplements, and herbs can stop that virus in its tracks. How many of these herbs, vitamins, and anti-virals are on hand if you need them?
Vitamins
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C are all vital nutrients for the immune system, and are all known to help prevent help fight viruses. In particular, vitamin C is well known for it's virus fighting properties, but if you take high doses of vitamin C to fight a virus, you should not stop taking it abruptly-taper off.
Zinc and Selenium
Zinc has been proven to be effective against the common cold and to be effective as a topical treatment for herpes sores. It is believed to be effective due to preventing replication of the virus. The immune system needs selenium to work properly and to build up the white blood cell count.
CoQ10
CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to significantly enhance the immune system.
Probiotics
Probiotics are always helpful in maintaining gut health, especially when the body is under a viral attack that involves the digestive system. Probiotic foods and drinks without added sugar can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. Speaking of probiotics, a healthy intestinal tract is absolutely imperative for a strong immune system. See the first source below for more.
Garlic
Garlic is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. You can take garlic in a tonic or, if you can handle it, chew raw garlic. It not only will help fight the virus, it will help kill any secondary infections trying to take root.
Echinacea
Echinacea not only supports the immune system, it also has been proven to reduce the severity and duration of viral infections.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is believed to interfere with the enzymes that allow viruses (bacteria and fungi as well) to utilize oxygen.
Elderberry
A double blind trial showed elderberry extract's ability to reduce symptoms of influenza and speed recovery. It also showed elderberry's ability to enhance immune response with higher levels of antibodies in the blood. It is believed to inhibit a virus's ability to penetrate healthy cells and protect cells with powerful antioxidants. Elderberry has also been shown to inhibit replication in four strains of herpes viruses and reduce ineffectivity of HIV strains.
Green Tea
The flavanoids in green tea are believed to fight viral infections by preventing the virus from entering host cells and by inhibiting replication.
Olive Leaf Extract
Though double blind clinical trials are needed, olive leaf extract has been shown to inhibit replication of viruses. In one study, 115 of 119 patients had a full and rapid recovery from respiratory tract infections while 120 of 172 had a full and rapid recovery from viral skin infections such as herpes.
Pau d'Arco
Pau d'arco has been used in indigenous medicine for generations. One of its compounds, lapachol, has proven effective against various viruses, including influenza, herpes simplex types I and II, and polio virus. It is believed to inhibit replication.
Liquorice Root
Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin, a compound found in liquorice root was more effective in fighting samples of coronavirus from SARS patients than four antiviral drugs. It reduces viral replication, cell absorption, and the virus's ability to penetrate cells. It is also being used to treat HIV.
St John's Wort
St. John's Wort has been proven effective against influenza, herpes simplex, and HIV.
Remember that the best defense is a good offense. A healthy diet based on nutrient dense foods, exercise to move your lymph (more on lymph), and aid your immune system, as well as good quality sleep will build a strong, healthy immune system. A strong immune system will fight off viruses without you even knowing the battle ever took place. Check out Bullet Proof Immune System.